Family Vacation @ Tokyo - Day 5, Asakusa and Odaiba

It was the weekend in Tokyo. And my mum's friend, Aunt Shujun has kindly offered to drive us around. We planned to visit Asakusa and Venus Fort in Odaiba.

We have arranged to meet Aunt Shujun at 8.30am but we were late. The lil ones slept past midnight and it was a struggle to wake up early and got the ready. And we had to pack their necessities like filling up the water bottles, filling up the hot water flask, filling the milk powder into container, replenishing diapers, replenishing snacks, etc. Yes, you can imagine how heavy my baby bag was. I usually hang the bag on the stroller's handle. If the kids were not on the stroller, the bag has to be transferred to the seat or it will topple. My bag was that heavy.

Finally, we were ready by 9am and we set off to Asakusa. It was already very crowded when we reached there. And it was very sunny (hot but luckily not humid). We have just started exploring the Asakusa Nakamise shopping street when the kids got cranky again. So we had to find a place to feed them breakfast first. Well, we did feed them bread on the journey there but they have not had their milk. We spotted McDonald's and my girl insisted on having her breakfast there. Well, the intention of the vacation is to delight the kids so her wish was granted.

Thereafter, we continued to explore the shopping street as there were alot of food stalls and souvenirs shops. But we realised that we were not allowed to walk on the street or step into another stall if we were consuming food bought from other stalls. Initially I did not realise what the Japanese auntie was telling me when I was still happily munching on the food while looking through the souvenirs in her stall. Then the owner from the opposite food stall came over and dragged me back to her stall. And I saw many people staying within the stall to finish the food. Such weird rules! Anyway I was not too tempted to try other food then as we cannot have the luxury of staying put at one place to consume the food. There is no way that my kids can stay still so we just have to move on.

We gotten some food stuff as souvenirs and my hubs bought a fortune cat to be placed in his office (well, I guess people in sales line welcome any auspicious things that can bless them with more sales). There were alot of different types of fortune cat, fat and skinny, big and small, selling in many shops there. The one that we saw and eventually bought can only be found in one particular shop and it wasn't exactly the cheapest one. But we found that the nicest and cutest one. Too bad I have not taken any picture and it is sitting on my hub's office desk now, blessing him with more sales so that he can bring home more $$$. Hehe!

Towards the end of the shopping street is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, known as Sensoji or Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Entrance of the shopping street

Crowded with tourists

It was a hot & sunny day

Shades for eye protection

The entrance of Asakusa Kannon Temple

With Aunt Shujun.

 

Actually I don't know if there is any particular meaning on this big red lantern

The passageway to the inner shrine

Before we stepped into the inner shrine, we spotted many people drawing lots and we joined in. 100yen for each lot.

The mistake that I have made, accordingly to Aunt Shujun. Drawing lots must be sincere and made personally. Janelle was having fun with drawing my lot and we shake the tin together, gigling and laughing away.

Thus, I ended up with a bad lot. Aunt Shujun told me that it was due to me not being serious while drawing the lot (Oops!). Hence I was advised to fold the bad lot and tied it on the metal bars as seen in the picture, while reciting something about bad lot go away, good lot come my way. I just recited after Aunt Shujun so I can't remember what was the exact words. After 2 tries, I have finally gotten a good lot. My lucky hubs gotten a very good lot in his first attempt. And we were told to fold and keep the good lot in our wallet.

We were told to sweep the smoke towards whatever part of the body that you want to bless. Eg sweep the smoke to the head and the kids will be smarter, sweep the smoke to the body and you will be healthy. How true is it, we are not certain. Anyway, it is always fun to learn new things about different cultures and it doesn't harm to try.

There is also a big well which we are supposed to cleanse our hands and mouths in 3 steps. First scoop to rinse left hand (or right hand? I don't remember. Oops! But there is a signage to guide you.), second scoop to rinse the other hand, third scoop to wipe your mouth.

We chanced upon a group of youngsters with bunnies. Apparently they are soliciting business for a restaurant nearby which you can have bunnies to dine with you. Sounds interesting but we did not went to check out the restaurant though.

Once again, the kids were getting cranky as they were hungry and tired. We went to a Japanese restaurant to have lunch. We relied on Aunt Shujun to place orders for us as the menu is in Japanese. Almost finishing his meal, Jayven was dozing off on his daddy's lap. My dad offered to carry him since he has finished his meal.

It was almost 4pm when we left Asakusa for Odaiba. Janelle fell asleep during the car ride and Jayven slept through from lunch till destination.

Odaiba is an awesome man-made island featuring shopping malls, leisure complexes, museums, hotels and office buildings. My plan was to visit Venus Fort hence I estimated that half a day should be sufficient but I was wrong.

We reached Venus Fort at 4.30pm and our first stop was to find a place to change the lil one's diaper. I was glad to find a baby care room and to my amazement, the baby care room was huge! When you entered the room, there are 2 drinks vending machine and one food vending machine and a resting area where parents can rest their tired legs or feed the lil ones milk / food (high chair are available too). Apart from the usual changing tables and nursing rooms, there is a parent-child restroom and it is a relatively big restroom (kids can run about in there).

Even the changing table is spacious

The all-in-one washing area that I was very impressed with. Put your hand at the right and water will flow out. Place on the left and you can lather your hands with the foamy soap. Once you are done washing your hands, move to the bottom centre (as seen in the picture) and your hands will be blow-dry. Convenient and no water spilling on the floor. 

It's a dog-friendly mall as we saw many dogs walking in the mall. Jayven was fascinated and kept following the dogs

Kiddy rides discovered within a mini amusement centre. 100 yen per ride.

Janelle's happiest find in the mall. Hello Kitty Kawaii Paradise (it's a mini Hello Kitty theme park)

Getting on board Hello Kitty Joyful Train. 300 yen per pax. We have to purchase the tickets at a nearby vending machine

My Melody appearance. We did not expect that there will be a character appearance. Just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Janelle was elated. They have invited all the kids to dance along with My Melody. Janelle was standing right in front and very focused on following the actions.

Receiving a big warm hug from My Melody

A picture taken for 500 yen. We get to bring the photo back

Spotted a small open concept casino at level 1

Spotted another mobile casino in the middle of an atrium on our way to dinner. And it was gone when we came out from the restaurant

Dinner time. Insisted on feeding himself. Amused with his dirty face

The kid's meal that we have ordered for the lil ones. It comes with a glass of orange juice and a scoop of ice-cream. Oh! and not forgetting a toy that they get to choose for themselves (presented in a basket)

A huge Dracula Mickey Mouse display at the entrance of a store

Nice touch to the mall: A Venetian water fountain

There is a Toyota Motor Corporation Showcase where we can go for test drive. But it was closed by 6pm. And we saw a corner for little car rides for the kids but it was closed too. Hence after dinner, we took a leisure walk around the mall. Actually the mall is huge and we did not manage to explore every corner. Then we rested our tired legs at Starbucks and I enjoyed a cuppa of my all time favourite Green Tea Latte in Starbucks before Aunt Shujun drove us back to Shinjuku.

It was a great day out and with Aunt Shujun bringing us around, we have saved much time in exploring and commuting via public transport. And we totally relied on her when it comes to communication in Japanese. Hah!

We had to rest early for the night as we had to set off at 8.30am the next morning to Nikko, 3 hours drive from Tokyo. But we ended up with lights off at 12 midnight again. Such privilege for the kids only during vacations.

Family Vacation @ Tokyo - Day 4, Mt Fuji World Heritage Commemorative 1-Day Tour

It's a special day - my hub's birthday! And we celebrated the day with great scenery in Hakone. Well, my hubs wanted to visit Mt Fuji and his wish was granted on his birthday.

We booked the day trip to Hakone and Mt Fuji at JTB in ION Orchard. Had to assemble at Keio Plaza Hotel by 8.20am so we woke up at 7.15am to get ready. The kids were so tired that they refused to get up. I had to change them while they were snoozing away. Placed the elder one in the stroller while I carried the boy and we made our way to Keio Plaza Hotel. So glad that my hubs and I have checked the route earlier so the 10mins walk to Keio was a breeze with the cooling weather

The tour departed at 8.30am and it was a 2 hours ride before we reach Mt Fuji 5th Station. My 2 kids  slept all the way till we reached our destination. That was how exhausted they were.

This World Heritage site is 2,300m above sea level and you can find torri gates, shrines and souvenir shops surrounding the place, known as the border between the heaven and the earth. The tour guide gave each of us a voucher to redeem a lucky bell so we visited the souvenir shop and exchanged for the bell. Gotten some magnets as souvenirs too.

Thanks to the good weather, we had a clear view of Mt Fuji from 5th station.

The sleepyhead that just woke up

Standing at 2,300m above sea level

Next, we visited Oshino Hakkai which is a protected natural monument. There are 8 fresh water springs in that area but we were not able to cover all 8 springs. Only visited 2 springs. We took photos, purified our lungs with the fresh air and checked out the souvenir shop.

One of the fresh water springs. The water is very clear indeed.

Happy kids!

Hands-free! I'm glad that I decided to bring this stroller as it is more sturdy and can support both of them. We have another stroller but it's more lightweight and would not be able to support their combined weights. Look at the sleepyhead.

Daddy-daughter bonding moment: Janelle kept urging her daddy that she want to take photos too. I love this shot.

Another smaller fresh water spring. Look how clear the water is.

Great weather, soaking in nature, plenty of fresh air = happy girl

And a happy boy

We had Japanese lunch (included in the tour package) at one of restaurants in Lake Kawaguchi, one of the famous Fuji five lakes. The lunch was so-so though.

Lake view from the restaurant

Lunch time. Janelle was sleepy, hungry and whiny

The happy family. Jayven was posing for the photo by placing his fingers on his cheeks.

After satisfying our hunger, we proceeded to Shiraito Falls to view the picturesque 20m tall, 200m wide waterfall fed by snowmelt flowing down from Mt Fuji.

The waterfall. We spotted a rainbow (look at the extreme right). Great weather, lovely scenery, unlimited supply of fresh air & a rainbow! Simply beautiful!

A close-up of the rainbow.

Another smaller waterfall

I have been wanting to visit the shrines in Japan and it was included in the tour. We visited Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, the head shrine of all Sengen and Asama shrines throughout Japan. This unique shrine defies Mt Fuji itself, and its okumiya, or ïnner shrine, is located at the very peak of the mountain.The main shrine is a registered important cultural property.

Jayven and my parents were asleep when we reached the destination hence my hubs and I went along with Janelle.

The happy girl. Full of smiles.

Simply love her smile. I know she enjoyed herself and it makes me happy too.

Happy daddy and daughter

Entrance of the shrine

I saw the instructions on the proper way to pray. But I have forgotten the sequence. Think it goes: Clap your hands 3 times, pray and clap your hands 3 times again. Pardon me. I'm a mum with short term memory.

Often seen this in shows where people can make their wishes and hang it there. But I could not find the boards for penning my wish.

Soaking in happiness

With our dearest princess

We didn't really know what is the purpose of the water in the well. To drink it, wash our hands? Anyway, it's photo taking time again.

She was eyeing the ice cream near the entrance of the shrine. And we promised her the ice-cream after the shrine tour. See the happy girl enjoying her sweet treats.

The shrine was the last stop and we had to head back to Tokyo, which was a 2 hours ride. We reached Tokyo at 7.20pm and we alighted at Odakyu in Shinjuku. Went in search for food and we chanced upon a Ramen shop in the basement. We had to order through the vending machine placed outside the shop. Everything is in Japanese hence we could not understand at all. Just look at the pictures provided and placed our orders accordingly. Then we passed the order tickets to the staff who will show us to our seats. It was pretty fun with the vending machine. We were too eager to try the machine and forgotten to take photos.

The shop is small hence we have to park our stroller outside and my parents and us have to spilt into 2 tables. We did not have to wait long for the ramen and it tasted soooooo good. Even the cha siew was very tender and I loved the soft-boiled eggs. A pity we forgotten to take photos again as the kids were already starving.

Eating like a Japanese. Either she was starving or the ramen was simply oishii. I figured it could be due to both. She finished every bit of it in her bowl.

After dinner, it was time to explore Odakyu and we started from the basement where there are lots of food (again!). I planned to get a cake for my hubs to celebrate his birthday back in the hotel room. Gotten a "I simply cannot resist" strawberry cake from Giotto. The kids were getting very cranky then so we walked back to the hotel.

Full of strawberries. The cake was yummy. I was fighting with my girl over the strawberries haha. I loved the cake so much that we bought another slice on the last night in Tokyo. And my girl finished it when I was out on an errand.

Family Vacation @ Tokyo - Day 3, Disneyland

The magical day that my girl has been waiting for: Disneyland!

We gotten ready by 8.30am and made our way to the train station. It was still drizzling in the morning. Lucky the weather changed for the better by noon. Since we have explored the train lines and routes yesterday, we decided that our breakfast will be made up of rice rolls, bread and pastries along the Keio street in Tokyo Station (along the way to Keio Line).

After breakfast, we continued the train ride to Maihama Station. Blessed with good weather (windy & sunny), we walked from the station to Disneyland. When we reached the entrance, there was a musical band playing the Disney songs and it enhances the overall Disney magical happiness. I can't wait to explore the magical land especially since we were not able to cover much of DisneySea yesterday due to the bad weather.

We saw people queuing to take photos with Mickey Mouse and wanted to join the queue but the staff told us that they are stopping the queue line due to the weather (the wind was coming very strong). Nonetheless, the kind staff told me that we can get our photos taken with Mickey at his house in Toon Town when she saw Janelle's disappointed face after I told her that we cannot join the queue.

Getting excited in the train. We gotten the Mickey headband for Janelle in DisneySea.

The magical land of happiness and fun

Hand-in-hand to Disneyland. Sweet!

A picture taken with Mickey passport. Jayven was fascinated by Mickey.

Tokyo Disneyland is celebrating its 30th anniversary with Halloween theme (you can see the pumpkins decoration on the pillars)

 

More pumpkins! Big & small

Our first stop in Disneyland was lunch in the Japanese Restaurant known as Restaurant Hokusai in World Bazaar. And that was our first Japanese meal since we reached Tokyo. They have children's menu and they provide craft paper for the kids to keep them occupied while waiting for their food.

All of us ordered set meals and we loved the food. Yummy tempura & udon. Even their pickles tasted nicer than those that I have tasted in Singapore restaurants. A pity I forgotten to take pictures as we were all famished so we tucked in once they served the meals.

During lunch, I was studying the map and a timetable that they have provided for all parades, shows and performances. And I spotted that the first parade will be in an hour's time. Hence after lunch, we went to the parade square to wait for the parade.

The Japanese were really organised as the staff will get us to sit on the floor to watch the parade. If you do not wish to sit, you can also stand at a farther distance. I like this arrangement as it allows everyone a good view of watching the parade. I went to HK Disneyland 2 years back and everyone was standing. I had to stand on tiptoe throughout the parade while carrying my girl so that we could get a better view. Thumbs up for the Japanese staff!

The Disney happiness parade is a must-watch as it simply adds on to the wonderful magical feeling and make you happy. My kids even dance along with the Disney music before the characters appeared. Janelle was busy identifying the characters and watching them pass by in excitement. Jayven couldn't keep his eyes off and keep pointing and woo-ing througout the parade. I'm glad that we managed to catch all 3 parades in Disneyland. 

My girl busy with the craft paper provided by the restaurant

She lurvveee the udon. Finished the bowl of udon and asked for second serving.

The happy Minnie with her Minnie popcorn. Isn't she sweet?

Even my mum was immersed in the Disney magic

We spotted this Donald Duck costume since DisneySea till Disneyland. My hubs wanted to get the costume for the lil ones but we were not able to find it in all the stores. He took this picture to ask the staff (language barrier) where he can get this costume but still unable to find.

Janelle was not keen in any rides and kept insisting that she want to find Mickey Mouse at Toon Town. So we brought her to Toon Town where she visited Goofy Play N Paint House, Donald's Boat and Mickey's House where we queued for slightly more than an hour to meet Mickey. The queue was formed within Mickey's House so at least we were not bored.

We were just in time to catch the Halloween's Special Parade (the second parade. It was a bonus parade to celebrate Halloween. Usually the park only run 2 parades) when we came out of Mickey's House. Another moment of halloween magic!

After the parade, we saw Chip N Dale and Goofy. There was no proper queue line and everyone just jumped in at every opportunity to take photos with them. Lucky Janelle managed to take photo with Chip while her brother was changing diapers. We decided to skip Goofy as it was too crowded. There is a Meet N Greet point in Toon Town too. A queue was formed at the point but they will change the mascot every 30minutes. By the time it was our turn, it was Professor and Janelle call him "Donald's grandpa" haha.

Photo taken with Professor

Slide found in Donald's Boat

Pluto's kennel in Mickey's House. Photo taken while queuing to meet Mickey

Finally! A photo taken with Mickey after queuing for more than an hour

Mickey hugging Janelle. Jayven want to touch Mickey too.

Mickey with Jayven

Say cheese with Chip

I couldn't resist the Minnie's popsicle so I gotten it though the weather was cold. See the greedy boy's expression! Cos the popsicle tasted sour :p

Apart from parades, the shows are a must-watch too. However, we realised some of the shows require tickets and the tickets have to be collected much earlier. Once all tickets are given out, we are not able to view the show. Nontheless we managed to catch Minnie Oh! Minnie at Theatre Orleans which is outdoor (no advance tickets required). It was a 6.30pm show but the skies was already dark. And the show lights help the performance to stand out. It was a great show.

The next parade was a nighttime parade scheduled at 7.30pm. Hence after the show, we proceeded to the parade square. It was freezing by then with the cold wind blowing. We decided to grab some hotdogs buns, fries and hot chocolate as dinner while waiting for the parade to start.

It was an electrifying nighttime parade with all the colourful sparkling lights. Jayven fell asleep halfway through the parade. I can imagine how exhausted he must be. It was getting very late by the time the parade ended and it was time for us to make our way back to Shinjuku. The 2 kids were totally exhausted and were cranky on the train ride back. Oh! Did I forget to mention that the Japanese were not exactly the most considerate commuter? We were with 2 kids and a stroller but no one will offer seats to us when it was crowded. And we realised that we were standing at the priority seats cabin.

All cuddled up warm and comfy in the stroller. He curled up asleep on his own.

Buys from Disneyland. Janelle hugging her Daisy Duck and Jayven with Donald Duck (janelle chose for him while she was asleep in Disney stores)

Anyway after all the fussing on the journey back, we reached the hotel after an hour train ride. Bathed the kids and they fell asleep soon after. It was much easier to get them to sleep in the hotel than back at home. I figured they must be very tired after a lonngggg day of fun. It was definitely a fun and happy day for the family.

Due to the good weather, we managed to cover much more in Disneyland than DisneySea. But we are still unable to cover the entire park as there were alot of stops in between for water and snack breaks, toilet breaks, diaper changes and time spent in queuing for meet and greet, parades and shows.

Janelle has enjoyed herself meeting her favourite and familiar characters, watching them at the spectacular performances. But she also commented that she liked Disneyland more than DisneySea. Guess it was due to the poor weather when we were in DisneySea that resulted in us seeking shelter more than exploring the park. Even then, I also feel that Disneyland is more magical than DisneySea.

If given a chance, I would love to return again and continue exploring the rest of the magical land.